Nancy Reagan backs McCain

BEL AIR, Calif. – Former first lady Nancy Reagan endorsed John McCain for president Tuesday as the Arizona senator continued to collect backing from leading Republicans who might help him unite the party and win over critical conservative voters.

The GOP nominee-in-waiting, in the midst of a West Coast fundraising swing, stopped by the Southern California home of President Reagan’s widow to accept the endorsement from the Republican matriarch.

“Ronnie and I always waited until everything was decided and then we endorsed,” said Reagan. “Well, obviously, this is the nominee of the party.”